Hypothyroidism: or underactive thyroid, develops when the thyroid gland fails to produce or secrete as much thyroxine (T4) as the body needs. Because T4 regulates such essential functions as heart rate, digestion, physical growth, and mental development, an insufficient supply of this hormone can slow life-sustaining processes, damage organs and tissues in every part of the body, and lead to life-threatening complications.

Treatment: synthroid – however after the advent of the RA (see below), they have been unable to regulate the thyroid. I’m seeing a specialist for a sonogram as they suspect lumps.

Fibromyalgia: a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. The condition is chronic (ongoing), but pain comes and goes and moves about the body. The disorder is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized and is and often complicated by mood and anxiety disorders.

Treatment: diet and exercise, I am refusing prescription medication.

Rheumatoid arthritis: a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. Other problems throughout the body (systemic problems) may also develop, including inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), the development of bumps (called rheumatoid nodules) in various parts of the body, lung disease, blood disorders, and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis).

The RA has been the worst of the three to date. The joints are an issue, my fingers and toes have started to turn, feet and hands stay swollen. I cannot lift near what I used to, even if I strap in I cannot close my hand all the way anymore, nor can my wrists support it. I am also dealing with the RA attacking my cardio vascular system already. Days of my RHR being over 100, Heart Arrhythmia, Shortness of Breath, and a few days ago, out and out pressure/pain.

All that being said ….. I’m training and to the point where it’s consistent. I may not be able to lift as heavy as I used to, but I plan to make up for it in reps. The heart issues & RA I am handling recently with a huge change (for me) in diet. I had tried the raw, LFRV, 80/10/10, Eat to Live, gluten free and elimination. By cutting so much I became deficient and felt worse (unable to walk). I have re- introduced EVERYTHING (vegan). So it’s all back, soy, breads, etc. I need to continue to change up and “shot gun” my nutrition. It seems to keep my body from adapting.

Also, in the meantime, I have gained some serious weight. My thyroid (read above) is still not correct and not responding to medication any more. So I had gained a whopping 13lbs in 1 month! I am now officially “fat” and weighing in at 159 (at 5’5”). We’ll call it a bulk,

I’m hoping those with lifting experience can pipe in on modified lifting and stay on my case about keeping variety in my diet as I have a tendency to fall back on the standard bbing diet of eating the same thing over and over and cutting stuff out.

Despite the joint issues, not too bad. My goal is to see what I can tolerate and what I can’t and modify the program accordingly. It seems I do better with a BB over DB, but also depends on the exercise.

Note to self for future. Swap the builder bar out for another protein shake unless I'm on the road. It would have allowed for another 100 cals that I could have used for veggies, and I would have been closer to my protein target.

jungleinthefrunk wrote:i was addicted to builders at my heaviest. they are sooo processed. an open one survived at room temperature for months...i also would stay away from the chicken patties and eat cleaner whole foods.

agreed! I would love to hit my calories and my macros on whole foods. However, not seeing the "how" yet. I'm thinking I'll have to settle for lower protein. That's my old bbing ways rearing it's head. I'll fall back into the protein sup and processed food (higher protein) to hit the macros. Thus, not exactly healthy for someone with a compromised immune system. Thus, I need a support network to keep me in check.

It is really cool that you are continuing to lift and exercise despite some of your health problems. My sister has had RA for over 20 years and was recently diagnosed with Lupus, and I can only imagine the strength you must summon some days to hit the gym and lift weights.

jungleinthefrunk wrote:may be able to find some tips in my journal. trainer keeps me high protein high fat low carbs...

Thanks! I took a look and while I can't be on high fats, I was looking for protein ideas. It looked similar with some processed soy products including soy milk, protein powders and bars. Whole foods or "clean eating" can be subjective of course. What do you consider whole foods? I think I really need to try to lean towards more of a back to the source type eating and get rid of all the protein supps, and of course the mock meats. What are your current macros?

buffsummers wrote:It is really cool that you are continuing to lift and exercise despite some of your health problems. My sister has had RA for over 20 years and was recently diagnosed with Lupus, and I can only imagine the strength you must summon some days to hit the gym and lift weights.

Thank you for the support! RA for 20yrs?! Wow, that's really tough. It's suprising how many people I have come across that have RA (not to be confused with osteo which is common). RA only affects 1% of the US population. Lupus unfortunately is pretty common as "the next step" with our compromised immune systems unfortunately. Worse so many die from cancer and infections brought on by the immune surpressing drugs given (the one's I'm refusing). Sending prayers for her!

about 90 fat, 120-135 protein, and 100-115 carbs.... still been losing and getting strongert however im 7 weeks out at this point and going back with my trainer so he will have me on 105 carbs, 110 protein, and 75 fat most likely...i get the official diet tomorrow but thats what i did to cut the first time. although im liighter now..